All that glitters is bold

Did you know that in Australia so far this year, 8777 metres of foil-covered spandex in more than 30 shades has been sold? Almost 1000m in black. And 4126 metres of the sequined variety?

Glitter and Dance are one of Australia’s leading fabric and material suppliers and, while their name might sound like child’s play this mother-daughter trio certainly know a lot about fabric and the dance industry and have just been named Australian Retail Association Queensland Independent Retailer of the Year.

They have sold more than 92,000 metres of fabric already this year, supplying material to prestigious performing arts institutions and academies including Queensland Ballet, Sydney Theatre Company, Queensland Theatre, Hairspray, Billy Elliot and Wicked (NZ), as well as the popular hit television series, So You Think You Can Dance. They also supply to fashionwear, swimwear and general fashion manufacturers.

The company sources exclusive fabrics regularly on buying trips in New York and owner Kerry Young has a few hot tips for what’s coming in 2012, considering she sees the fabric long before it’s made into a gorgeous costume.

“Bright and bold colours will continue to be popular and coloured lace is also featuring heavily and we’ll continue to see this on the racks in early 2012,” said Kerry.

“Thanks to recent appearances in music clips, leopard print is also huge.

“A slightly unexpected one is gingham check – like the pattern in Dorothy’s blue and white skirt in the Wizard of Oz. Keep an eye out for this one as it will continue to pop up in a few places, including swimwear.”

The girls’ next buying trip to New York will take place in February 2012, but they’re already looking forward to predict what will be popular in the later part of next year.

“I think pastels and soft colours will make a return as we head into winter and tribal prints are something we will see emerge over the coming seasons.

“Metallic fabrics with abstract designs as well as sequined fabrics, and a lot of details including fringing will be big trends on the dance scene as well.”

Kerry said their materials are all subject to strict quality control testing in New York, where material is sourced exclusively.

“When we supply materials or costumes to clients, they know the fabric will last and the colours will wear evenly, which is especially important for dance schools and theatre performances as appearance is a huge part of the theatrical journey,” she said.

Mrs Young added that sales through their online store were booming, as performing arts students, teachers and organisations sought quality material in regional locations.

“Some of our biggest markets are in regional areas of Northern Queensland, Tasmania and New Zealand – areas where they don’t necessarily have ready access to world leading material and advice,” she said.

At Glitter and Dance, no order is automatically generated – even in the online store.

“We’ve taken the worry out of ordering online, which has changed the landscape of material available right across Australia,” she said.

“I have been in the dance industry nearly my whole life and my daughters have also danced for 30 plus years.

“We consider the innate passion of dancing and understanding of music and choreography as fundamental aspects in our success,” she said.

You can find out more about Glitter and Dance or order online at www.glitteranddance.com.au or call (07) 3849 2269.

 About Glitter and Dance

Glitter and Dance are one of Australia’s leading fabric and material suppliers. Owner Kerry Young started her career in dancewear as Brisbane’s top sewer in the early 1980’s, pinning together many a leotard and tutu for leading dance schools and academies. Today, the family run Brisbane store turns over $1M annually and boasts 11 staff and a thriving online shop as well as a UK Glitter and Dance store.

In addition to supplying fabrics to renowned theatres, performing arts centres and playhouses, Glitter and Dance also supply material to Cleo Brown (Miss Fitness World 2011) as well as Anne-Marie Lasserre (Miss World Brazil Body Building).